A young Bolton Reserve side got their pre-season off to a losing start after being beaten by Bamber Bridge FC 2-0 at Irongate.
First half goals from Tom Clarkson and Chris Thompson were enough to seal victory for the home side, despite a brave performance from Bolton's youngsters.
Bamber Bridge started the brighter and took the lead from their first attack; Tom Clarkson heading home at the near post after captain Chris Thompson's corner was only half cleared.
Wanderers almost hit back immediately when Michael O'Halloran's pull back found midfielder Adam Blakeman, who could only fire high and wide from inside the penalty area.
Despite this, Bamber Bridge, who played their first pre-season match on Tuesday against Preston North End, continued to press and Thompson's 25-yard deflected effort looped just over.
The miss didn't affect the captain's confidence, however, and his quickly taken free kick found the top corner from 20 yards, with keeper Jay Lynch stranded.
Tope Obadeyi went closest for Wanderers but he couldn't connect to O'Halloran's cross, while Mason McGeechan's tame shot was easily saved.
Bolton pressed after the interval and Obadeyi twice went close, both times firing just over from 25 yards.
Wanderers substitute James Caton then drew a near-post save out of Bamber Bridge goalkeeper Ben Hinchcliffe and Obadeyi finally found his range, forcing the keeper into a sprawling save as Bolton searched for a way back into the game.
Adam Blakeman's left-footed drive almost flew in late on, but it wasn't to be as the Reserves fell to defeat.
Bolton Reserves: Jay Lynch (gk) (Tom Turner, 77), Joe Riley (Jack Simpson, 46), Milan Rundic, Nicky Hunt (c) (Josh Vela, 69), Rhys Bennett (Tom Eckersley, 46), Adam Blakeman, Mason McGeechan (James Caton, 59), Mark Connoly (Ryan Stagte, 69), Javlon Campbell (Graham McGregor, 4 (Andy Burns, 77)), Michael O'Halloran, Temitope Obadeyi.
Bamber Bridge FC: Ben Hinchcliffe (Lee Dovey, 77), Phil Robinson (Paul Lloyd, 46), Chris Marlow, Luke Atherton, Tom Clarkson (Phil Denney, 54), Shayne Oldfield, Craig Sargeson (Martin Crowder, 46), Ashley Dunn, Neil Black, Chris Thompson (c) (Darren Green 65), Ally Waddicor (Neil Holmes, 46).
Referee: Mr Iain Siddall.
Goals: Bamber Bridge: Clarkson (4), Thompson (25).
By Edward Bretherton
